Why truckers and fleets should care about IRS workplace buzz

The IRS’s company page on Indeed shows a 4.0 out of 5 overall rating and an “above average” work wellbeing score of 72, based on thousands of employee survey responses and reviews. For drivers considering a career pivot or a steady off-the-road role, those scores suggest a relatively stable federal workplace with predictable hours and benefits. For fleet managers, it’s a signal that the agency—staffed by people with customer-service and tax-processing experience—may be better positioned to answer questions and resolve issues faster than in years past.

Service upgrades: what’s changing at the IRS

IRS updates tied to its Strategic Operating Plan highlight shorter phone wait times, expanded in-person help at Taxpayer Assistance Centers, and new online tools—like a Business Tax Account for certain sole proprietors and pass-through owners—that aim to simplify routine interactions. Faster answers and clearer digital pathways can translate into fewer deadhead hours on the phone and quicker resolution of notices or identity-verification steps that can delay refunds or tie up cash flow.

Compliance to watch: e-file rules for 1099s and W‑2s

If your operation issues information returns (for example, 1099‑NEC to leased-on owner-operators and W‑2s to company drivers), the e-file threshold is now 10 or more total returns in a calendar year, counted in aggregate across return types. Most small carriers will meet that threshold quickly, which means paper filing is largely off the table unless you obtain a hardship waiver. The IRS also offers IRIS, a free online 1099 e-filing portal—useful for smaller fleets that don’t want to buy software. Getting ahead of this now helps you avoid penalties and last-minute scrambles during tax season.

Per diem planning: updated rates for the transportation industry

For travel beginning October 1, 2025, the special meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) per diem rates for the transportation industry are $80 per day within the continental U.S. and $86 outside CONUS. The incidental-expenses-only rate remains $5 per day, and the 2025–2026 high-low method rates are $319 (high-cost) and $225 (other), with meals portions of $86 and $74 respectively. These updates matter for carriers that pay per diem to employee drivers and for owner-operators who use per diem methods under IRS rules. Build the new amounts into 2026 budgets and settlement policies, and coordinate with your tax pro on documentation and eligibility.

Thinking about a second career or seasonal work?

Indeed’s IRS page shows a mix of roles beyond “tax collector,” including customer service and tax-processing positions. Salary snapshots reported to Indeed include examples such as call center representative (~$45,000 average reported) and tax examiner (~$47,000 average), with many federal roles offering benefits and advancement pathways. For drivers looking to transition off the road, or spouses seeking stable, location-based work, these roles can provide predictable schedules that mesh with family and home life. Always verify current postings and requirements on USAJOBS or the IRS careers site before applying.

Action steps for owner-operators and fleet managers

Map your 2025–2026 per diem policy. Update settlement systems and driver handbooks to reflect the $80/$86 M&IE transportation rates effective October 1, 2025.
Audit headcount for e-file. If you’re issuing 10+ combined W‑2/1099 forms, plan to e-file and consider using the free IRIS 1099 portal to streamline small-volume filings.
Leverage improved service channels. Use the IRS’s enhanced online tools and expanded help center capacity to resolve notices faster—reducing downtime and cashflow bottlenecks.
Recruiting or career pivot? Keep an eye on IRS customer-service roles if you or a family member wants stable, benefits-eligible employment away from the cab.

Bottom line: While “IRS careers” might not seem like trucking news at first glance, the agency’s workplace capacity and policy updates directly affect how smoothly fleets and independent drivers handle taxes. Better-staffed service lines, mandated e-filing, and new per diem rates are all nuts-and-bolts issues that hit your back office—and your bottom line.

Sources Consulted: Indeed; Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

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This article was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com. For professional tax advice, consult a qualified professional.